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Day 24 of the 30 day meditation. Yoga Breathing.


Disclaimer:  If you have heart disease,  high blood pressure or a hernia, please do not attempt this exercise without consulting a physician or a professional yoga instructor.


Disclaimer 2:  If you begin to feel dizzy or faint, STOP! No one needs an injury from this exercise.  Crunches work just as well. :D


That being said, I mentioned previously that I have a repaired heart, but I did make it through this exercise with flying colors and enjoyed it, though it did make me giggle at first.  This meditation breathing exercise called, Kapalbhati Pranayama,  is a yoga breathing technique aimed at weight loss (yay me!), strengthening tummy muscles and improving circulation.  One of the older yoga breathing techniques, this form of breathing is not designed to relax you, but instead bring energy to your body, so I would suggest doing it in the morning. 


The meditation will consist of three breathing reps.  Now, before we begin, let's explore how to do this breathing.  After you inhale deeply, filling your chest and abdomen with cleansing air, you will breathe out in spurts through your nose, exhaling twenty times.  What the heck are you asking me to do, you ask?  Well, the way I figured it out was like an angry bull snorting through it's nose.  A quick huff through your nose, but using your abdomen to push out the air.


Now, let's begin.  Take a deep cleansing breath, filling your chest and abdomen.  Hold it for a moment, then begin to breathe out (snort) 20 times using your tummy muscles to help you.  There is no race, so do it at a normal pace.  After you reach twenty, sit for a moment in silence, breathe in naturally inhaling peace and then exhale your anxieties and worries.  Now you are ready for round two.  As before, inhale deeply, filling your chest and abdomen, then exhale 20 times.  Take a moment of silence to once again breathe naturally and steady yourself.  Then one last time, inhale deeply and exhale/snort 20 times.  Remember to use your abdomen when breathing, so you get the full results form this exercise. 


If you are a little sketchy on this meditation, consult a yoga instructor, or take it lightly.  Remember, no more than three repetitions to start and ALWAYS take the few moments in between reps to relax and catch your breath.  This exercise is no different, safety wise, than any other physical exercise you might try.  Exercise caution and safety.


Until tomorrow...breathe in the possibilities.

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